Kathina

• Now the Vassa/Rain season is over the monks will start to move on, before they do lay and monastic communities come together in a festival of unity called Kathina
• The Buddha forbid his monks to travel during the rain season for fear that they might trample the crops and injure the animals, so when the Vassa started they had to stay where they were
• Monks have no money and rely on donations from lay Buddhists, lay Buddhists contribute robes and other equipment to monasteries, the gifts are passed on to those who need them most
• Kathina refers to the sewing frame which robes used to be made
• Families whose sons have been monks, welcome them home and congratulate the monks of their retreat for it is believed they have created good karma for the whole community
• Katrina can take place any time during the month following the Vassa, usually October or November
• the Lay community provide a meal for monks in the morning and robes are presented at a ceremony in the afternoon, it is seen as a way for creating good karma for those who contribute